“Blossoming Love: A Tulip Enthusiast’s Guide to Two Spectacular Tulip Tours in Australia”
If you have a deep love for flowers and appreciate the beauty of nature, then tulips might be your cup of tea! These vibrant and elegant flowers have captured the hearts of many, and Australia offers a couple of must-visit destinations for every tulip enthusiast. In this blog, we will explore the annual Bendigo Tulip Display and the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in the Dandenong Ranges, two breathtaking events that celebrate the magnificent tulip.
Field of Tulips
The Annual Bendigo Tulip Display
A Glimpse into Tulip Heaven
Nestled in the heart of Victoria, the city of Bendigo plays host to an extraordinary display of tulips every year. The Bendigo Botanic Gardens transforms into a mesmerizing sea of color during the spring season, attracting visitors from all around the world. Here’s what you can expect:
A Riot of Color
As you enter the Bendigo Botanic Gardens during the peak tulip season (September to October), you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking display of tulips in all shades of the rainbow. From fiery reds and vibrant yellows to soft pinks and deep purples, the variety of tulips on display is truly astounding.
Garden Architecture
What sets the Bendigo Tulip Display apart is the careful planning and design that goes into the garden layout. The tulips are meticulously arranged in patterns and shapes, creating an immersive and almost otherworldly experience. It’s a photographer’s dream come true!
Cultural Experiences
The Bendigo Tulip Display isn’t just about admiring flowers. You can also explore cultural exhibits, enjoy live music, and indulge in delicious local food and wine. It’s a perfect day out for the whole family.
Tips for Your Visit
Timing is Key: Plan your visit during the peak tulip season to witness the gardens in their full glory.
Photography: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone. You’ll want to capture the stunning beauty on display.
Comfortable Shoes: Be prepared to walk, as there’s so much to see.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival in the Dandenong Ranges
A Dutch-Inspired Wonderland
For an immersive tulip experience, head to the Dandenong Ranges from 16 September to 15 October for the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. This event transports you to a Dutch-inspired wonderland, complete with windmills, wooden shoes, and, of course, an awe-inspiring display of tulips.
Fields of Blooms
One of the highlights of the Tesselaar Tulip Festival is the vast fields of tulips in every color imaginable. Wander through row upon row of tulips, taking in the sweet fragrance and vibrant hues.
Dutch Traditions
Experience Dutch culture firsthand with daily performances of traditional music and dance. You can even try on wooden clogs and taste Dutch treats like stroopwafels and poffertjes.
Family-Friendly Fun
This festival caters to families as well, with a dedicated children’s area offering activities, face painting, and more. Kids will love the tulip-themed playground!
Festival Survival Tips
Tickets: Book early to avoid missing out!
Arrive Early: To get the best photos and beat the crowds, arrive early in the morning.
Dress the Part: Consider wearing Dutch-inspired attire for added fun.
Don’t miss this wonderful event!
Melbourne Elite Tours are so excited to provide this tour.
This event is running from Sat 16 Sep to Sun 15 Oct 2023 from 10am to 5pm daily.
16-17 Sep – Turkish Weekend – a showcase of Turkish culture among the tulips with more than 100 performers, it’s going to be a colourful and exciting weekend. Celebrate, learn and savour Turkish hospitality, culture and heritage.
18-21 Sep and 25-28 Sep – Children’s Week – from Kung Fu Panda to PAW Patrol, it’s all about the kids. Petting zoo, Fairy, a variety of craft workshops for a small fee, garden games and more, not to mention a plethora of photo opportunities, with all the daily entertainment in play.
22-24 Sep – Dutch Weekend – grab your clogs if you have them and head out to the Festival as it transforms into a mini-Holland this weekend. The founders Cees and Johanna Tesselaar emigrated from The Netherlands on their wedding day, bringing tulip bulbs in their suitcase, and their passion for flowers lives on this weekend. Dutch games, competitions and entertainment abounds with Melbourne’s own Dutch choir and a Sunday Dutch Accordion Ensemble.
29 Sep – 01 Oct – Food, Wine & Jazz Weekend – there may be a public holiday but the Festival doors are open for you to tap your toes to the music while indulging in delicious Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges foods and beverages. Entry includes complimentary tastings from some amazing boutique wineries, distilleries and breweries. Live Music with Dr Jazz Featuring Ruby Ray, Apple Ida and Her Cider Press Band and The Daryl McKenzie Jazz Ensemble will entertain all weekend long.
02-05 Oct and 9 -12 Oct – Spring Fever Week – this is timeout amongst the tulips without the rush of school holidays. Enjoy the daily entertainment as aforementioned eg. Clog Dancing Workshop, Historic Cheese Market Performance etc.
06 Oct – 08 Oct – Rock the Fields Weekend – it’s time to dress for the occasion Rockabilly style and boogie in the tulips. There’s music from the ’50s and ’60s to dance to, funky food trucks, dance demonstrations and fashion fun. Spot prizes will be given to the best dressed beauties and beaus, so dress to impress. Rock it out to an amazing lineup of bands and a variety of other entertainment.
13 Oct -15 Oct – Irish Weekend – as they say, come for the craic! Fun, music, dancing and Leprechauns. If anyone knows how to have fun, it has to be the Irish. Enjoy a Guinness or Kilkenny with top musical entertainment on two different stages. Irish Pipers will rove the fields all 3 days, along with Irish dancing performances.
Conclusion:
For those who share a love for tulips, the Bendigo Tulip Display and the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in the Dandenong Ranges are must-visit destinations in Australia. Whether you prefer the meticulously designed gardens of Bendigo or the Dutch-inspired wonderland of Tesselaar, you’re sure to be enchanted by the beauty of these incredible flowers. Plan your trip, immerse yourself in a sea of tulips, and let the love for these blooms blossom anew!
Tours include transport in a brand new V Class Mercedes up to 7 guests, 2 course gourmet lunch, entry into the Tesselaar Tulip Festival, visits to Sassafras and Olinda and a top cool climate garden time permitting. These are sure to be unforgettable days out. To enquire please click on the following links:
